The Internet & Terrorist Radicalisation: The Psychological Dimension

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

There is growing awareness and concern over the potential of the internet to radicalize people towards violent extremism and terrorism. This paper provides a balanced assessment of the psychological processes through which the internet can have an impact in this regard. Particular attention is focused on identity issues, the imagined community, mortality salience effects and deindividuation. These are explored in terms of how their potential to generate support and ultimately radicalize individuals into joining a campaign of violence.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTerrorism and the Internet
Subtitle of host publicationThreats, Target groups, Deradicalisation strategies.
EditorsHans-Liudger Dienel, Yair Sharan, Christian Rapp , Niv Ahituv
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherIOS Press
Pages27-39
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781607505372
ISBN (Print)9781607505365
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • terrorism
  • radicalisation
  • terrorist psychology
  • internet
  • internet psychology
  • online psychology
  • deindividuation
  • anonymity

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